Co Antrim

This listed 18th century residence is part of a courtyard designed by Robert Adam within the grounds of Castle Upton, at Templepatrick, Co Antrim. Accommodation is generous and includes two en suite bedrooms, a study, a spacious drawing room and an art studio which could be adapted to provide further bedroom space. Belfast Airport is ten minutes away.

Price: £270,000 approx.

Eric Cairns Partnership. 0801 232 428989

France

Located in the charming riverside town of Caudebec-en-Caux, a two-hour drive from Paris in a conservation area between Le Havre and Rouen, this six-bedroom mini chateau is on three levels over a basement, with a small tower attached. The landscaped garden has a door leading to a tow-path along the Seine, and the house faces south over-looking the river and a meadow beyond.

Price: £285,000-plus.

Maurice Lazarus, Domus Abroad. Tel 0044 171 431 4692.

Switzerland

This five-bedroom chalet is in the popular ski village of Verbier in the Swiss Alps. In winter, the mountains offer 400 km of piste, while in the summer the area provides a variety of walking and biking trails. Geneva airport is a two-hour drive away, while the nearest town, Marigny, can be reached in 20 minutes. Two parking spaces are included with the property.

Price: Offers over £280,000.

Villas Abroad. 0044 181 941 0202.

United States

Set on four acres of gardens, this home in Stowe Hollow, Vermont, offers equal measures of luxury and privacy. In addition to the spacious lounge and dining areas, there are four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a sun room. Accommodation also includes an "in-law apartment", with its own private entrance. Stowe is a three-hour drive from Boston.

Price: Offers around £265,000.

Pall Spera 001 802 253 9993.